I am finally getting ready to pipe my DC and tools in the shop. I will have a Tablesaw, Jointer, Planer, Bandsaw, Router, Belt Sander.

I am going to run 6" PVC and drop to 4" right before the tools.

I currently have a Powermatic PM1900 dust collector. The specs on it are 3HP, Static Pressure 11.31" of water, velocity at 4" 5200 fpm, air flow at 4" 234 cu. ft/min, air flow at 8" 1754 cu. ft./min.

This DC should be big enough to get the job done. I have had it for a couple of years and have been just connecting to tools as needed. Now that it is getting down to plumbing time, I am wondering if I should consider selling it and buying a cyclone. My only reason for thinking this is because emptying the bags can be a pain in the butt.

I bought the thing for a good price and would not loose any money on it, but would need to put quite a bit with it to get a cyclone.

Is their any reason for me to consider a cyclone instead of this dust collector other than the ease of dumping a drum rather than emptying the bags?